Newcastle vs Liverpool Prediction, Preview, Odds: 25/8/2025 – Premier League

The Premier League returns with a heavyweight clash on Monday night as Newcastle United welcome Liverpool to St James’ Park. Both clubs enter the campaign with contrasting recent fortunes—Liverpool aiming to defend their league crown after a dominant season, and Newcastle searching for momentum after a difficult summer.

Newcastle: Champions League Return Amid Turbulence

Since the Saudi-backed takeover in 2021, Newcastle have enjoyed steady progress, capped by a fourth-place finish in 2023 and a League Cup triumph against Liverpool that delivered their first major trophy since 1969. Last season, they finished fifth in the Premier League, edging Aston Villa on goal difference, a result that secured their return to the Champions League.

However, the Magpies’ summer has been anything but smooth. Striker Alexander Isak, who scored 23 league goals last season, has made clear his desire to leave—Liverpool are among the clubs circling—but Newcastle’s management continue to block a transfer. His absence was keenly felt in their goalless draw against Aston Villa on opening day, a match where Newcastle failed to capitalize despite playing with an extra man for over 30 minutes.

Pre-season form has also raised concerns. Eddie Howe’s side recorded two draws and four defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid, a run that highlighted defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in attack.

The club’s transfer activity has been measured. Sean Longstaff (to Leeds), Callum Wilson (to West Ham), and goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka (to Burnley) all departed, while Lloyd Kelly opted for a move to Juventus. To reinforce their attack, Newcastle made a significant investment in Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, adding him to an already lively front line with Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Gordon. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali remain the spine of the team, though Joe Willock is sidelined. Between the posts, Aaron Ramsdale, on loan from Southampton, has been brought in as cover for Nick Pope.

Liverpool: Title Defenders with New Faces

Liverpool enter the season on the back of a superb campaign under new head coach Arne Slot, who led them to the Premier League title with a 10-point cushion over Arsenal. The Reds combined blistering early-season form with ruthless consistency, though they stumbled in Europe, falling to PSG in the Champions League round of 16, and were denied domestic cup success by Newcastle in the League Cup final.

The summer brought significant changes. Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid, while Caoimhín Kelleher joined Brentford and young defender Jarell Quansah signed for Bayer Leverkusen. In attack, Luis Díaz moved to Bayern Munich and Darwin Núñez to Al-Hilal, trimming options up front.

Replacements have been high-profile. German international Florian Wirtz arrived from Leverkusen, Hugo Ekitike joined from Frankfurt, and full-back Milos Kerkez was signed from Bournemouth. Despite the turnover, Mohamed Salah remains the club’s talisman after pledging his future to the Reds. Last season he contributed a staggering 29 goals and 18 assists in the league. Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Ibrahima Konaté, and Virgil van Dijk ensure Liverpool still boast both firepower and defensive resilience.

The club did, however, suffer a personal tragedy with the sudden passing of forward Diogo Jota during the summer. On the pitch, their campaign began with disappointment in the Community Shield, losing on penalties to Crystal Palace after a 2-2 draw. But they bounced back in style with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, with Ekitike, Chiesa, Salah, and Gakpo all finding the net.

Injuries remain a concern. Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out, while Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are doubtful. Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for this match.

Tactical Battle

Newcastle are expected to stay compact and rely on pace in wide areas through Gordon and Elanga, but the absence of Isak robs them of a focal point. Liverpool, by contrast, are likely to dominate possession and press aggressively high up the pitch. Salah’s ability to exploit space on the counter, combined with Wirtz’s creativity and Gakpo’s movement, gives them multiple routes to goal.

Arne Slot’s side are in far sharper form, while Eddie Howe must find solutions to break a worrying trend—Newcastle have failed to win in their last 11 Premier League fixtures, losing five of the last nine.

Prediction

Newcastle’s lack of rhythm, pre-season struggles, and ongoing uncertainty over Isak leave them vulnerable against a Liverpool team that has started the season with authority. The contrast between the sides is stark: while Liverpool look ready to defend their crown, the Magpies appear unsettled and short of confidence.

Prediction: Newcastle 1:3 Liverpool. Salah and Gakpo to strike for the visitors, with Wirtz adding another. Newcastle to find a consolation through Gordon or Barnes, but the gulf in quality should show.